GAC Quality Manual

BD-091007-04 GAC
GAC QUALITY MANUAL
MQ 1.0: Quality Manual of the Accreditation

Center of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of
the Gulf (GCC Accreditation Center)
Version 5: 28th April 2016
Version: 5 Page 1 of 43
Date: 28 April 2016
Approved by: Nabil A. Molla

GAC Quality Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 5
2. GAC QUALITY POLICY .................................................................................................................................... 6
3. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................. 7
4. ACCREDITATION CENTER OF THE COOPERATION COUNCIL FOR THE ARAB STATES OF THE GULF (GAC) ..... 11
4.1 Legal responsibility .....................................................................................................................................11
4.2 Structure .....................................................................................................................................................11
4.3 Impartiality .................................................................................................................................................12
4.4 Confidentiality ............................................................................................................................................13
4.5 Liability and financing .................................................................................................................................13
4.6 Accreditation activity ..................................................................................................................................13
5 MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................................................... 13
5.1 General .......................................................................................................................................................13
5.2 Management system ..................................................................................................................................14
5.3 Document control.......................................................................................................................................14
5.4 Records .......................................................................................................................................................14
5.5 Nonconformities and corrective actions ....................................................................................................15
5.6 Preventive actions ......................................................................................................................................15
5.7 Internal audits ............................................................................................................................................15
5.8 Management reviews .................................................................................................................................16
5.9 Complaints ..................................................................................................................................................16
6 HUMAN RESOURCES ................................................................................................................................... 16
6.1 Personnel associated with GAC ..................................................................................................................16
6.2 Personnel involved in the accreditation process ........................................................................................21
6.3 Monitoring ..................................................................................................................................................22
6.4 Personnel records .......................................................................................................................................22
7 ACCREDITATION PROCESS ........................................................................................................................... 22
7.1 Accreditation criteria and information .......................................................................................................22
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GAC Quality Manual
7.2 Application for accreditation ......................................................................................................................23
7.3 Resource review .........................................................................................................................................23
7.4 Subcontracting the assessment ..................................................................................................................23
7.5 Preparation for assessment ........................................................................................................................24
7.6 Document and record review .....................................................................................................................25
7.7 On-site assessment .....................................................................................................................................25
7.8 Analysis of findings and assessment report ...............................................................................................25
7.9 Decision-making and granting accreditation ..............................................................................................27
7.10 Appeals .......................................................................................................................................................28
7.11 Reassessment and surveillance ..................................................................................................................28
7.12 Extending accreditation ..............................................................................................................................29
7.13 Suspending, withdrawing or reducing accreditation ..................................................................................29
7.14 Records on CABs .........................................................................................................................................29
7.15 Proficiency testing and other comparisons for laboratories ......................................................................29
8 RESPONSIBILITIES OF GAC AND THE CAB ..................................................................................................... 30
8.1 Obligations of the CAB ................................................................................................................................30
8.2 Obligations of GAC ......................................................................................................................................30
8.3 Reference to accreditation and use of symbols and marks ........................................................................31
APPENDIX 1 – ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE ...................................................................................................... 32
APPENDIX 2 – DELEGATIONS REGISTER ................................................................................................................ 33
APPENDIX 3 – GAC BUSINESS FUNCTIONS AND PROCESS FLOWCHART (APPROVED BY THE GAC STEERING
COMMITTEE, 27/01/2009) ................................................................................................................................... 40
APPENDIX 4 – LIST OF ASSOCIATED PROCEDURES ................................................................................................ 41
BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................................................... 413
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GAC Quality Manual
PREAMBLE
This document, entitled The GAC Quality Manual, provides the framework for the management system as a
whole to be implemented by the GAC. It outlines the management direction to be applied for each element
of the system and in some cases contains cross-referenced supplementary policies and procedures for each
major business function of GAC. The full set of documents governing the establishment and initial operations
of GAC is shown in the following diagram:
Diagram 1: Quality system/documentation hierarchy
Agreement
Rules (RL)
Quality Manual (MQ)
Administration Accreditation Human Resources Quality

Procedures Procedures (AC) Procedures (HR) Management
(ADM) Procedures (QM)
Field of Application Documents

(FAD) and Technical Notes (TN)
As complete list of the procedures of the GAC is available on the internal electronic “workspace”.
As GAC expands its scope of operations the list of lower level documents will also expand to cover new
technical fields and new activities such as the different types of certification programs.
The quality management system complies with ISO/IEC 17011 but also includes other aspects of the
management of GAC required by international organisations.
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GAC Quality Manual
1. INTRODUCTION
The GCC Accreditation Center
The Center was established by a decision of the governments of the six Member States of the
Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf and the republic of Yemen, formalised through the
Agreement and approved by the Board of Directors in 08 May 2013. This Agreement gives the
Accreditation Center legal authority to provide specified accreditation services within the territories of
all of the Members States in the fields of calibration, testing, inspection and certification, known
generically as conformity assessment.
It is established under the stewardship of the Standardization Organization of the Cooperation Council
for the Arab States of the Gulf and is governed by a Board of Directors who exercises regular supervision
over the affairs of the Center, and regional committees whose members are drawn from all Member
states, including stakeholder bodies.
The Center operates on a day-to-day basis with a cadre of permanent staff under the general
management of the Director General supported by a number of external technical experts.
The objectives of the Center are to facilitate trade within the Gulf Region and between the Member
States and foreign trading partners through enhanced credibility of the competence of accredited
conformity assessment bodies operating within all Member States. The Center will operate according to
international best practice as defined in a suite of relevant international standards and enter into Mutual
Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) with similar bodies operating in other countries and regions. The
Center will also encourage the development of best practices by all conformity assessment bodies
operating with the Region.
Location
The Center maintains its Head Office at:

Olaya Str., AlGadeer
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Tel: +966 11 274-6655
Fax: +966 11 210-5391
and provides its services through Branch Offices which may be located in any Member State.
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GAC Quality Manual
2. GAC QUALITY POLICY
GAC QUALITY POLICY
April 28th 2016
It is the policy of the GCC Accreditation Center (GAC) to provide accreditation services according to
international best practices as defined in relevant standards and guidelines published by appropriate
international bodies and to abide by ILAC, IAF, APLAC, PAC, and ARAC requirements.
The GAC is a client-focused organisation that seeks to deliver its services in a timely manner and be impartial,
fair, transparent and non-discriminatory in all its dealings with them.
The GAC structure as well as its ways of functioning is fixed by the agreement between the 7 member
countries stipulations that provide for its autonomy for decision.
The GAC structure organises and encourages exchanges of information with the national regulatory
authorities in member countries, the international relevant organisations, the economical and industrial
partners, the scientific community and the accredited bodies themselves. These communication channels are
tools that need to be activated and maintained in the most effective way.
Assessors are the most important instrument of the system. They have to give evidence of the level of
competence of the accredited bodies and their performance conditions to a large extent the value of
accreditation and its acceptance by the market. A strict follow-up of performance and further training on a
regular basis are of utmost importance.
The management system will follow and adapt itself to the expectations of the users and to the requirements
of international standards that are applicable to accreditation bodies. The input of the assessors, of the
accredited bodies and of the stakeholders helps to determine the lines of action of the management system.
Striving for acceptable quality means responding to the goals in a pragmatic manner. The results of the
internal audits, complaints and other information are the basis for the annual review of the management
system.
To meet our commitment, we must:

1. Succeed APLAC recognition for ISO/IEC 17025 testing labs accreditation in 2017,
2. Ensure a strict follow-up and improvement of the performance of assessors and GAC personnel,
3. Establish efficient relationship with interested parties and Conformity Assessment Bodies,
4. Encourage cooperation with Accreditation Bodies of other economies,
5. Ensure effective participation in the activities of international accreditation organisations.
As Director General, I declare my commitment to ensure the compliance and the implementation of the
ISO/IEC 17011 requirements. This quality policy shall be communicated and understood at all level of GAC
structure.
GAC DIRECTOR GENERAL
NABIL A. MOLLA
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GAC Quality Manual
3. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
The terms and definitions used in this manual are taken from the GAC Agreement and GAC Rules
document. Where not defined, other terms and definitions in this Quality Manual are those defined in
the following international standards, in descending order of precedence apply:
 ISO/IEC 17011:2004, Conformity assessment -- General requirements for accreditation bodies

accrediting conformity assessment bodies
 ISO/IEC 17000:2004, Conformity assessment -- Vocabulary and general principles
 ISO/IEC Guide 2:2004, Standardization and related activities -- General vocabulary
 ISO/IEC Guide 99:2007, International vocabulary of metrology -- Basic and general concepts and
associated terms (VIM)
 ISO 9000:2005, Quality management systems -- Fundamentals and vocabulary
 ISO 9001:2008, Quality management systems -- Requirements
3.1 Accreditation
Third-party attestation related to a conformity assessment body conveying formal demonstration of its
competence to carry out specific conformity assessment tasks.
3.2 Accreditation body

Authoritative body that performs accreditation.
3.3 Accreditation body logo

Logo used by an accreditation body to identify itself.
3.4 Accreditation certificate

An official document issued by the Center stating that an accreditation in a certain scope has been
granted to the applicant.
3.5 Accreditation requirements

The criteria and requirements specified by the Center in accordance with the requirements and criteria
issued by the relevant international authorities and/or any other additional requirements laid down by
member states with which the Applicant must comply in order to obtain the accreditation.
3.6 Accreditation symbol

A symbol issued by an accreditation body to be used by accredited CABs to indicate their accredited
status.
NOTE: "Mark" is to be reserved to indicate direct conformity of an entity against a set of requirements.
3.7 Accredited organization

The conformity assessment body, or any other body whose work requires accreditation, accredited by
the Center.
3.8 Agreement
The agreement to establish the Center.
3.9 Appeal
Request by a CAB for reconsideration of any adverse decision made by the accreditation body related to
its desired accreditation status
NOTE: Adverse decisions include:
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 refusal to accept an application,

 refusal to proceed with an assessment,
 corrective action requests,
 changes in accreditation scope,
 decisions to deny, suspend or withdraw accreditation and
 any other action that impedes the attainment of accreditation .
3.10 Applicant
The conformity assessment body, or any other body whose work requires accreditation, seeking
accreditation by the Center.
3.11 Assessment
Process undertaken by an accreditation body to assess the competence of a CAB based on particular
standard(s) and/or other normative documents and for a defined scope of accreditation
NOTE Assessing the competence of a CAB involves assessing the competence of the entire
operations of the CAB including the competence of the personnel, the validity of the conformity
assessment methodology and the validity of the conformity assessment results.
3.12 Assessor
Person assigned by an accreditation body to perform, alone or as part of an assessment team, an
assessment of a CAB.
3.13 Board of Directors

Board of Directors of the Accreditation Center.
3.14 Center
Accreditation Center of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GAC).
3.15 Complaint
Expression of dissatisfaction, other than appeal, by any person or organization, to an accreditation body,
relating to the activities of that accreditation body or of an accredited CAB, where a response is
expected.
3.16 Conformity assessment

Confirmation that specific requirements relevant to a product, operation, system, a person or a body
have been met.
3.17 Conformity assessment body

a body that provides conformity assessment services including testing, calibration , inspection ,
certification of personnel, certification of products, certification of management systems or other
services associated with conformity and can be accredited.
3.18 Consultancy
Participation in any of the activities of a CAB subject to accreditation
EXAMPLES
 preparing or producing manuals or procedures for a CAB;
 participating in the operation or management of a CAB’s system;
 giving specific advice or specific training towards the development and implementation of a
CAB’s management system and/or competence;
 Giving specific advice or specific training for the development and implementation of the
operational procedures of a CAB.
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3.19 Cooperation Council

Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC).
3.20 Day
Means working day, and excludes all public holidays and/or days of formal religious observance.
3.21 Expert
Person assigned by an accreditation body to provide specific knowledge or expertise with respect to the
scope of accreditation to be assessed.
3.23 Extending accreditation

Process of enlarging the scope of accreditation.
3.24 Secretariat
Secretariat of the Center.
3.25 Director General

Director General of the Center.
3.26 Interested parties [stakeholders]

Parties with a direct or indirect interest in accreditation.
NOTE: Direct interest refers to the interest of those who undergo accreditation; indirect interest refers to
the interests of those who use or rely on accredited conformity assessment services.
3.27 Lead assessor LA

Assessor who is given the overall responsibility for specified assessment activities.
3.28 Member States

Member states in the Cooperation Council.
3.29 Ministerial Board

Ministerial Board of the Cooperation Council.
3.30 Mutual Recognition Arrangements

International or regional arrangements between accreditation bodies that allow for mutual recognition
of accredited conformity assessment results.
3.31 Organization
Standardization Organization of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GSO).
3.32 Reducing accreditation

Process of withdrawing accreditation for part of the scope of accreditation.
3.33 Schedule of accreditation

Specific conformity assessment services for which accreditation is sought or has been granted.
3.34 Scope of accreditation

A specific conformity assessment service or any other services the applicant may seek accreditation for.
3.35 Director General
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Director General of the Center.
3.36 Supreme Council

Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council.
3.37 Surveillance
Set of activities, except reassessment, to monitor accredited CAB's continued fulfilment of requirements
for accreditation
NOTE: Surveillance includes both surveillance on-site assessments and other surveillance activities, such as:
a) enquiries from the accreditation body to the CAB on aspects concerning the accreditation;
b) reviewing the CAB’s declarations with respect to what is covered by the accreditation;
c) requests to the CAB to provide documents and records (e.g. audit reports, results of internal quality control
for verifying the validity of CAB services, complaints records, management review records, etc.);
d) Monitoring the CAB’s performance (such as results of participating in proficiency testing).
3.38 Suspending accreditation

Process of temporarily making accreditation invalid, in full or for part of the scope of accreditation.
3.39 Withdrawing accreditation

Process of cancelling accreditation in full.
3.40 Witnessing
Observation of the CAB carrying out conformity assessment services within its scope of accreditation.
3.41 Year
The Gregorian calendar (AD).
3.42 Accreditation Decision Committee ADC

Committee appointed by SDM and selected among experts in accreditation. A chair and, at least, one
member are appointed to provide, after adequate study, a recommendation to ADM to grant, extend,
reduce, renew or withdraw an accreditation. The members of ADC should be competent persons
different from those who carried out the assessment.
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4. ACCREDITATION CENTER OF THE COOPERATION COUNCIL FOR THE ARAB STATES OF THE GULF
(GAC)
4.1 Legal responsibility
GAC is established by an Agreement (henceforth called the Agreement) between the Member States of
the Cooperation of the Arab States of the Gulf and the republic of Yemen and, as a consequence, has
legal status within the region.
4.2 Structure
4.2.1 The organisational structure of the GAC is provided in Appendix 1.
4.2.2 The Agreement gives GAC the authority and the responsibility to make decisions relating to
accreditation, including the granting, maintaining, extending, reducing, suspending and withdrawing of
accreditation.
4.2.3 GAC’s legal status is given in the Agreement and ownership is vested in the governments of the
seven Member States.
4.2.4 All staff positions within the GAC have formally defined Job Descriptions (See clause 6.1.3) and
Duty Statements and these are to be found in the Human Resources Procedures.
4.2.5 The chief executive officer of the GAC is its Director General who is supported by the following
positions: Administration and Finance Manager; Technical and Quality Manager; Service Delivery
Manager; Accreditation Decision Manager; Development and Marketing Manager.
Each position has specific responsibilities for development of policies relating to the operation of the
accreditation body including:
a) supervision of the implementation of the policies and procedures;

b) supervision of the finances of the accreditation body;
c) decisions on accreditation;
d) Contractual arrangements.
Individual authorities to act in specified areas are delegated to individuals or committees as approved by
the Board of Directors and Director General. A list of all such delegations is contained in Appendix 2
Delegated Authorities.
4.2.6 GAC employs professionally qualified staff to manage all aspects of its operations and, in
addition, engages individuals with appropriate expertise to provide advice on technical requirements
and to serve as assessors in the assessment of conformity assessment bodies. The procedure QM 8.0
outlines the process of creating and functioning of Technical Advisory Committees. GAC may appoint
additional Technical Committees in different areas when the need arises.
4.2.7 GAC has formal rules for the appointment, terms of reference and operation of committees that
are involved in the accreditation process, and these are to be found in the Accreditation Procedures
together with the list of members for each committee.
4.2.8 GAC’s structure is described in Appendix 1.
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GAC Quality Manual
4.3 Impartiality
4.3.1 GAC seeks to operate objectively and impartially at all times.
4.3.2 To ensure impartiality in developing and maintaining major policies and procedures of the
operation of its accreditation system, GAC’s structure is designed to provide opportunity for effective
involvement by interested parties ensuring a balanced representation of interested parties with no
single party predominating. The details of these arrangements are contained in the Agreement and the
Quality Management Procedures QM 8.0 and QM 16.0.
4.3.3 GAC seeks to ensure that its policies and procedures are non-discriminatory and administered in
a non-discriminatory way. Accreditation is accessible to all applicants whose requests for accreditation
fall within the scope of GAC activities (see clause 4.6.1) and the limitations as defined therein. Access is
not conditional upon the size of the applicant CAB or membership of any association or group, nor is
accreditation conditional upon the number of CABs already accredited in any particular geographical
area or field of testing. The policies on the scope of GAC’s activities are contained in the Rules document
and in the specific Field Application Documents.
4.3.4 It is GAC’s policy that all personnel and committees, whose position could influence the
accreditation process, shall act objectively and be free from any undue commercial, financial and other
pressures that could compromise impartiality.
4.3.5 Accreditation decisions within GAC are made by the Accreditation Decision Manager who is
competent as specified in the relevant Job Description. The Accreditation Decision Manager is steered
and advised by a formal recommendation of the Accreditation Decision Committee composed from
experts having no role in the assessment of the CAB.
4.3.6 GAC does not offer or provide any service that affects its impartiality such as:
a) Those conformity assessment services that CABs perform;

b) Consultancy.
GAC does not present any of its activities as linked with consultancy and nothing is said or implied that
may suggest that accreditation would be simpler, easier, faster or less expensive if any specified
person(s) or consultancy is used.
4.3.7 GAC does not have any other body directly related to it. It is governed by a Board of Directors
reporting to the GCC council.
While the GAC is a part of the general GCC infrastructure it is independent and as its Board of Directors
is a Council of Ministers.
Periodic meetings with Stakeholders Advisory Committee are the opportunity where GAC discusses its
relationship with the related bodies. Any potential conflict of interest, any threat to impartiality and
confidentiality can be addressed during these meetings by concertation with all parties and members
including the related bodies themselves (such as GSO and Gulf MET). When a serious risk is identified,
the chair of the Stakeholders Advisory Committee appoints an Ad-hoc team (GAC must be involved) who
has the responsibility to analyse that risk and propose appropriate actions, within a limited timeframe.
The procedure (QM 20.0) deals with the identification of potential related bodies, the risk of conflict of
interest and suitable actions to be undertaken.
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GAC Quality Manual
4.4 Confidentiality
GAC requires all individuals having access information obtained in the process of its accreditation
activities at all levels of the accreditation body, including technical committee members, and external
bodies or individuals acting on its behalf to enter into confidentiality agreements. GAC does not disclose
confidential information about a particular CAB outside its own structure without written consent of the
CAB, except where the law requires such information to be disclosed without such consent.
4.5 Liability and financing
4.5.1 GAC is funded from fees for its accreditation services and such other funds as are made available
from time to time by the GCC or Member States or through grants, donations and the like, in accordance
with GAC Agreement.
4.5.2 GAC maintains an accrual accounting system that complies with international accounting
standards and which is independently audited annually.
4.6 Accreditation activity
4.6.1 GAC provides accreditation activities with reference to the ISO/IEC 17000 suite of conformity
assessment standards (ISO/IEC17020, 17021, 17025 etc. and such others as may be developed) and such
other international standards and guides as may be required from time to time.
4.6.2 While GAC uses the relevant international standards for its accreditation activities, it recognises
that where technology specific interpretations of those standards is necessary, it prepares or adopts
from other sources, special purpose application and guidance documents, ensuring at all times that such
documents have been formulated by committees or persons possessing the necessary competence, and
where appropriate, with participation of interested parties. Where international application or guidance
documents are available, these are used.
4.6.3 GAC is a developing organisation and it has developed procedures through which it may extend
its activities in response to demands of interested parties or where it sees needs and opportunities for
such developments. These procedures are provided in detail in the Accreditation Procedures and the
elements included in the procedures are:
a) analysis of its present competence, suitability of extension, resources, etc. in the new field;
b) accessing and employing expertise from other external sources;
c) evaluating the need for application or guidance documents;
d) initial selection and training of assessors;
e) training GAC staff in the new field.
5 Management
5.1 General
5.1.1 GAC has established, implemented and continues to maintain a management system subject to
it continuous improvement related to its effectiveness in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC
17011. The following sub-clauses define requirements for the management system that take into
account the particular nature of accreditation bodies. Appendix 3 identifies the major business
functions and process flows found within the GAC.
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GAC Quality Manual
5.1.2 Where ISO/IEC 17011 requires the accreditation body to have or to establish procedures, GAC
has prepared appropriate documentation and implemented and maintained those procedures.
Appendix 3 identifies the major business functions and process flows found within the GAC.
5.2 Management system
5.2.1 The Director General supervises the definition and documentation of policies and objectives,
including a quality policy, for its activities, and personally provides a commitment to quality and to
compliance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17011.
The Director General and his most senior managers are responsible for the effective communication of
the needs of interested parties and that management policies are understood, implemented and
maintained at all levels of the accreditation body. Where practicable, GAC objectives will be defined in
terms that are measurable.
It is the objective of the GAC to attain signatory status of the ILAC and IAF Mutual Recognition
Arrangements. All obligations under those arrangements will become an integral element of the GAC
quality system at the appropriate time.
5.2.2 The GAC quality management system is appropriate to the type, range and volume of work
performed. All applicable requirements of ISO/IEC 17011 are addressed in this manual, its
supplementary procedures and associated documents (See Appendix 4). These procedures and relevant
associated documents are accessible to GAC personnel and the effective implementation of the system’s
procedures is supervised by the Technical and Quality Manager.
5.2.3 The Technical and Quality Manager has responsibility and authority that includes:
a) ensuring that procedures needed for the management system are established;
b) reporting to top management on the performance of the management system and any need for
improvement.
5.3 Document control
GAC has established procedures to control all documents (internal and external) that relate to its
accreditation activities. The procedures are specified in the Quality Management Procedures (QM 1.0)
and define the controls needed:
a) to approve documents for adequacy prior to issue;

b) to review and update as necessary and re-approve documents;
c) to ensure that changes and the current revision status of documents are identified;
d) to ensure that relevant versions of applicable documents are available to personnel,
subcontractors, assessors and experts of the accreditation body and CABs at points of use;
e) to ensure that documents remain legible and readily identifiable;
f) to prevent the unintended use of obsolete documents, and to apply suitable identification to
them if they are retained for any purpose;
g) to safeguard, where relevant, confidentiality of documents.
5.4 Records
5.4.1 GAC has established the procedure (QM 7.0) for identification, collection, indexing, accessing,
filing, storage, maintenance and disposal of its records.
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5.4.2 Records are retained for periods consistent with GAC’s contractual and legal obligations but in
any case are retained for a minimum of six years. Access to these records is consistent with the
confidentiality arrangements.
5.5 Nonconformities and corrective actions
GAC has established procedures for identification and management of nonconformities in its own
operations. It also, where necessary, takes actions to eliminate the causes of nonconformities in order
to prevent recurrence. Corrective actions are appropriate to the impact of the problems encountered.
The procedure (QM 6.0) is defined in the Quality Management Procedures and covers:
a) identifying nonconformities (e.g. from complaints and internal audits);

b) determining the causes of nonconformity;
c) correcting nonconformities;
d) evaluating the need for actions to ensure that nonconformities do not recur;
e) determining and implementing in a timely manner, the actions needed;
f) recording results of actions taken;
g) reviewing effectiveness of corrective actions.
5.6 Preventive actions
GAC has established procedures to identify opportunities for improvement and to take preventive
actions to eliminate the causes for potential nonconformities. Preventive actions taken are appropriate
to the impact of the potential problems. The procedures for preventive actions are defined in the Quality
Management Procedures (QM 6.0) and define requirements for:
a) identifying potential nonconformities and their causes;

b) determining and implementing the preventive actions needed;
c) recording results of actions taken;
d) reviewing effectiveness of the preventive actions taken.
5.7 Internal audits
5.7.1 GAC has established procedures for internal audits to verify that it conforms to the requirements
of ISO/IEC 17011 that the management system is implemented and maintained. The procedure for
conducting such audits is defined in the Quality Management Procedures (QM 3.0).
5.7.2 Internal audits are performed at least once a year. The audit programme is planned, taking into
consideration the importance of the processes and areas to be audited as well as the results of previous
audits.
5.7.3 GAC, through the Technical and Quality Manager, ensures that:
a) internal audits are conducted by qualified personnel knowledgeable in accreditation, auditing

and the requirements of ISO/IEC 17011;
b) internal audits are conducted by personnel different from those who perform the activity to be
audited;
c) personnel responsible for the area audited are informed of the outcome of the audit;
d) actions are taken in a timely and appropriate manner;
e) any opportunities for improvement are identified.
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GAC Quality Manual
5.8 Management reviews
5.8.1 The Director General has established procedures to review the GAC management system at
planned intervals to ensure its continuing adequacy and effectiveness in satisfying the relevant
requirements, including ISO/IEC 17011 and its stated policies and objectives. These reviews are
described in the Quality Management Procedures (QM 2.0) and conducted at least once a year.
5.8.2 Inputs to management reviews include, where available, current performance and improvement
opportunities related to the following:
a) results of audits;
b) results of peer evaluation (following application to APLAC, ILAC and IAF);
c) participation in international activities, where relevant;
d) feedback from interested parties;
e) new areas of accreditation;
f) trends in nonconformities;
g) status of preventive and corrective actions;
h) follow-up actions from earlier management reviews;
i) fulfilment of objectives;
j) changes that could affect the management system;
k) appeals;
l) analysis of complaints.
5.8.3 The outputs from the management review include actions related to:
a) improvement of the management system and its processes;

b) improvement of services and accreditation process in conformity to the relevant standards and
expectations of interested parties;
c) need for resources;
d) defining or redefining of policies, goals and objectives.
5.9 Complaints
GAC has established procedures for dealing with complaints which are described in the Quality
Management Procedures (QM 4.0). These procedures require that GAC:
a) decide on the validity of the complaint;

b) where appropriate, ensure that a complaint concerning an accredited CAB is first addressed by
the CAB;
c) take appropriate actions and assess their effectiveness;
d) record all complaints and actions taken;
e) respond to the complainant.
6 Human resources
6.1 Personnel associated with GAC
6.1.1 GAC seeks to employ, or have access to, a sufficient number of competent personnel (internal,
external, temporary, or permanent, full time or part time) having the education, training, technical
knowledge, skills and experience necessary for handling the type, range and volume of work performed.
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GAC Quality Manual
6.1.2 GAC seeks access to a sufficient number of assessors, including lead assessors, and experts to
cover all of its activities.
6.1.3 GAC ensures that each person concerned is aware of the extent and the limits of their duties,
responsibilities and authorities. These are defined in individual job descriptions and similar documents
for external personnel.
Hereafter, an overview of the duties and tasks fulfilled by the key positions:
Director General:
The Director General is supported by a team of senior executives to manage the business of GAC. The
Director General has the following specific primary duties and responsibilities:
 conduct top-level liaison and negotiations with political, government and business leaders
throughout the region;
 liaise with key national, regional and international standards and conformance bodies and
achieve, where possible, representation on governing or high level policy formulation committees
etc. of those bodies;
 conduct periodic meetings of GAC’s customers to update on the GAC’s performance and to seek
customers’ inputs to GAC’s activities; and
 Maintain a charter of service for GAC’s clients and periodically monitor achievement of the
charter’s service levels.
 achievement of specific targets and actions specified for the Director General by the Bylaw, the
General Assembly or the Board of Directors;
 ensure that the GAC is adequately financed and staffed to achieve all targets set in such Plans;
 to provide leadership in development of strategic policies and activities.
 oversee the achievement of the GAC’s accreditation goals and responsibilities;
 supervise senior managers to ensure that GAC complies with its international obligations (as
relevant);
 Ensure annual budgets adequately cover operational needs.
 liaise with the Technical and Quality Manager on all significant technical developments identified
for possible adoption or amendment by the GAC;
 Regularly review the efficacy of the GAC’s Rules and, where needed, make recommendations to
the Board of Directors for appropriate amendments.
 establish annually the key performance objectives of senior managers with direct reporting lines
to the Director General;
 identify any training or professional development needs of staff as established during
performance reviews or identified through other means;
 Formulate and maintain a succession planning strategy for key positions within the GAC.
 supervising the preparation of annual budgets and gaining Board of Directors approval;
 satisfying the Board of Directors’ expectations for annual corporate budgets;
 Supervision of GAC’s financial management.
Accreditation Decision Manager:
 The principal duty of this position is to manage the GAC accreditation decision-making process
to ensure the essential corporate goals of impartiality, fairness and transparency.
 Committed to meeting the expectations and requirements of both internal and external
customers.
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 Reviewing reports and recommendations prior to making decisions (under delegation) for
accreditation services.
 Providing advice to other staff members on the development of recommendations regarding
new accreditations and changes to the status of accreditation.
Recommending policy and operational changes to improve the performance of both the GAC
and its accredited conformity assessment bodies.
 Determining the eligibility for accreditation of specific tests, calibrations, inspections or
programs.
 Identifying areas that require deepening of awareness of accreditation within all sectors of the
community – its benefits, strengths and limitations.
Service Delivery Manager:
The principal duty of this position is the management of all aspects of GAC’s accreditation operations the
achievement of which will include:
 Ensuring the delivery of contemporary accreditation practices; and

 Maintaining necessary contact with major clients, customers, industry associations and
government representatives to achieve the objectives of GAC.
 Establishing and maintaining appropriate mechanisms to ensure best utilisation of resources;
 developing and maintaining recruitment, retention and training policies and procedures that
sustain operational activities;
 participating in probation reviews of new staff;
 introducing and integrating new operational systems and processes to meet the needs of the
organisation;
 leading, managing, directing and participating in various initiatives including cross functional
teams, task forces and other committees as required;
 monitoring to ensure compliance with relevant national Occupational Health & Safety legislation
where appropriate; and
 Presenting various documents/papers of executive nature to the Board of Directors and Director
General when invited.
 Developing and monitoring key performance indicators for direct reports and subordinate staff.
 Monitoring field/program income and expenditure; and
 Liaising with other senior executives, especially in the area of preparation of forecasts and
budgets to meet overall operational objectives.
Technical & Quality Manager:
The Technical and Quality Manager provides a top-level contact point between GAC and its customers.
In particular he will:
 ensure that all complaints are investigated and resolved in a timely manner and where necessary,
personally undertake the investigation of complaints;
 participate in the conduct of appeals by applicant/accredited facilities;
 develop and maintain client feedback initiatives, analyse results and report on outcomes;
 draft articles for publications, website etc.;
 provide advice to conformity assessment body staff and public/stakeholders; and
 Liaise with relevant stakeholders as appropriate.
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 managing the internal audits program to ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17011. This includes
audits of the quality management system, operational procedures and assessor monitoring;
 identifying opportunities for improvement through activities such as client feedback, internal
audits, staff initiatives, complaints etc and coordinate their implementation;
 assisting with the development and review of policies, procedures and other corporate
documents;
 assisting with the review of existing and new accreditation documentation;
 undertaking annual management review meetings;
 maintaining the currency and suitability of corporate forms;
 ensuring appropriate input from various groups in the development of policies and procedures for
GAC staff, and technical requirements for accredited facilities;
 liaising with and responding to matters raised through the internal audit and complaints
investigation system;
 ensuring consistent practice across fields as far as is possible;
 authorising changes to documentation;
 acting a resource on technical matters for staff and commenting on technical issues as these arise;
 resolving queries regarding interpretation of our accreditation requirements;
 approving creation of new field and program related documents e.g. Technical notes and
Technical and Policy circulars;
 acting as the secretariat to technical advisory committees;
 making recommendation in relation to approving technical assessors; and
 identifying training needs of staff and Technical Assessors in consultation with the relevant
managers.
 remain abreast of developments in technical accreditation and quality issues;
 maintain relationships and networks with stakeholders;
 mentor technical staff;
 provide assistance in recruitment of technical staff;
 assist with the training of staff at an induction level, including attending induction review
meetings;
 organise relevant assessor development programs;
 develop and monitor key performance indicators for direct reports and subordinate staff.
 maintain expenditure within budget;
 use resources effectively and in accordance with corporate guidelines;
 maintain records of expenditure in accordance with corporate guidelines; and
 make recommendations regarding expenditure for technical meetings, conferences, courses,
subscriptions and higher education and monitor such expenditure
Office Manager:
The principal duties of the Office Managers are to ensure that GAC operations, within their area of
responsibility, are conducted efficiently and effectively and that GAC is presented professionally and
effectively.
 As the local representative of the Secretary-general, communicate effectively with external

stakeholders, including clients, government, industry and the community.
 Assist with the investigation and implementation of business development, marketing and
relationship management.
 Maintain a network of relationships and a high level of local knowledge of clients by attendance at
relevant professional associations, courses and activities.
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 Identify key stakeholders for accreditation activities in all sectors and establish and maintain
relationships/networks with stakeholders.
 Identify and report development opportunities for new accreditation services.
 Develop and enhance stakeholders’ understanding of accreditation.
 Act on client feedback survey results and complaints.
 Participate in, and lead organisational teams, meetings and projects.
 Promotes a safe and healthy workplace environment that complies with GAC Human Resource
and Occupational Health and Safety policies.
 Manage administrative and disciplinary matters for local staff.
 Implement the internal audit schedule and undertake internal audits where requested.
 Undertake specific projects as required.
 Communicate effectively with the Managers, Secretary-General and staff on matters affecting the
GAC.
 Develop and implement accreditation and assessment activities in the location.
 Maintain the surveillance and reassessment program.
 Where qualified, perform the duties of a Lead Assessor to conduct an agreed number of on-site
assessments as defined in individual Key Performance Objectives.
 Ensure supervised technical staff achieve agreed assessment targets.
 Develop and maintain a professional relationship with industry bodies to keep abreast of industry
changes/standards.
 Review work practices to ensure best use of resources.
 Ensure work quality at personal and field/program level.
 Ensure timeframes specified in GAC policies and procedures are met.
 Where qualified, conduct lead assessor observation audits.
 Participate in relevant technical meetings.
 Monitor and manage work-in-progress to ensure corporate and field targets are achieved.
 Promote and market GAC.
 Advise on recruitment and development of assessors.
 Participate in recruitment, supervision and training of staff.
 Develop and maintain a continuous program of self-improvement for all staff in conjunction with
the relevant supervisor.
 Maintain a high standard of knowledge and expertise and/or attendance professional
organisations at relevant courses, conferences and other activities.
 Assist in the performance management and setting Key Performance Indicators for relevant staff.
 Prepare annual office operating and capital budgets.
 Ensure that GAC financial procedures are adhered to.
 Monitor local financial performance.
Assist in the recovery of outstanding debts from customers.
File Manager:
A File Manager is responsible for handling and management of CABs files that are assigned to him or her.
To this end, the File Manager will be responsible for:
 the management of the assigned files,

 initiation of communication with the CAB,
 ensure that the application is received with all the applicable information needed,
 to ensure the GAC project number (e.g. AC0001-1) is assigned,
 acquire all the related documentation from the CAB as per the accreditation criteria ,
 Share CAB folder with the assessment team (including deliverables of previous assessment),
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 ensure the completion of checklists from the CAB e.g. checklist for ISO/IEC 17025,
 to arrange, with the LA, all the applicable accreditation steps; such as document review,
advisory or onsite visit,
 identify competent and suitable assessors/members including those for decision committees,
ensure their approval through SDM,
 where applicable be part of the assessment team as GAC representative,
 Ensure that the effective communication takes place between the assessment team, CAB and
GAC,
 Ensures that the assessors contracts are signed prior to the assessment conducted,
 Ensure to obtain written no objection or no conflict of interest statement from the CAB,
 Ensure that the assessors used have signed GAC’s confidentiality agreement and that they are
approved assessors through GAC assessor database,
 Prepare all the applicable cost bills such as payment invoices for applications, onsite visits,
 Review and approve the on-site assessment plan,
 Ensure that the assessment deliverables have been completed and are received from the
assessment team,
 Ensure preparation of schedule of accreditation and accreditation certificate, once approved
make arrangements with IT section to publish the accreditation docs in the GAC website,
 Officially inform the office manager about updating the GAC assessment schedule for the CAB
file once completed.
6.1.4 GAC requires all personnel to formally commit themselves by a signature to comply with the
rules defined by the accreditation body. The commitment considers aspects relating to confidentiality
and to independence from commercial and other interests, and any existing or prior association with
CABs to be assessed.
6.2 Personnel involved in the accreditation process
6.2.1 GAC describes for each activity involved in the accreditation process:
a) qualifications, experience and competence required;

b) initial and ongoing training required.
6.2.2 GAC has established procedures for selecting, training and formally approving assessors and
experts used in the assessment process. These are defined the Quality Management Procedures (QM
9.0).
6.2.3 GAC identifies the specific scopes in which each assessor and expert has demonstrated
competence to assess and maintains records of such scopes in the personnel records of each individual.
6.2.4 GAC has policies and procedures (QM 9.0) to ensure that assessors and, where relevant, experts:
a) are familiar with accreditation procedures, accreditation criteria and other relevant
requirements;
b) have undergone a relevant accreditation assessor training;
c) have a thorough knowledge of the relevant assessment methods;
d) are able to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, in the required languages;
e) have appropriate personal attributes.
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6.3 Monitoring
6.3.1 GAC ensures the satisfactory performance of the assessment and the accreditation decision
making process by means of procedures for monitoring the performance and competence of the
personnel involved (QM 9.0). In particular, it reviews the performance and competence of its personnel
in order to identify training needs.
6.3.2 GAC conducts monitoring e.g. by on-site observations and other techniques such as review of
assessment reports, feedback from CABs and peer monitoring of assessors to evaluate an assessor’s
performance and to recommend appropriate follow-up actions to improve performance. Each assessor
is observed on-site regularly, at least once every three years.
6.4 Personnel records
6.4.1 GAC maintains up-to-date records of relevant qualifications, training, experience and
competence of each person involved in the accreditation process.
6.4.2 GAC maintains up-to-date records on assessors and experts consisting of:
a) name and address;

b) position held and for external assessors and experts, the position held in their own organization;
c) educational qualifications and professional status;
d) work experience;
e) training in management systems, assessment and conformity assessment activities;
f) competence for specific assessment tasks;
g) Experience in assessment and results of their regular monitoring.
7 Accreditation process
All matters in this section are further elaborated in the Accreditation Procedures and its supplementary
field specific application and advisory documents. Appendix 3 provides a diagram of main business
function and process flows in the GAC.
7.1 Accreditation criteria and information
7.1.1 The general criteria for accreditation of CABs are those set out in the relevant normative
documents such as ISO/IEC Standards and Guides for the operation of CABs.
7.1.2 GAC maintains the following accreditation documents, which are publicly available and updated
as they are amended:
a) detailed information about its assessment and accreditation processes including arrangements
for granting, maintaining, extending, reducing, suspending and withdrawing accreditation;
b) reference documents containing the requirements for accreditation including technical
requirements specific to each field of accreditation where applicable;
c) general information about the fees relating to the accreditation;
d) a description of the rights and obligations of CABs;
e) information on the accredited CABs as described in clause 8.2.1;
f) information on procedures for lodging and handling complaints and appeals;
g) information about the authority under which the GAC operates;
h) a description of GAC’s rights and duties;
i) general information about the means by which GAC obtains financial support;
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j) information about GAC’s activities and stated limitations under which it operates;
k) information about GAC’s relationship with GSO during its initial period of operation.
7.2 Application for accreditation
7.2.1 GAC requires a duly authorized representative of the applicant CAB to make a formal application
that includes:
a) general features of the CAB, including corporate entity, name, addresses, legal status and human
and technical resources;
b) general information concerning the CAB such as its activities, its relationship in a larger corporate
entity if any, and addresses of all its physical location(s) to be covered by the scope of
accreditation;
c) a clearly defined, requested, scope of accreditation;
d) an agreement to fulfil the requirements for accreditation and the other obligations of the CAB as
described in clause 8.1.
7.2.2 GAC requires the applicant CAB to provide at least the following information relevant to the
accreditation prior to commencement of the assessment:
a) a description of the conformity assessment services, which the CAB undertakes, and a list of
standards, methods or procedures, for which the CAB seeks accreditation, including limits of
capability where applicable;
b) a copy (on paper or in electronic form) of the CAB’s quality manual, and relevant associated
documents and records, such as information on participation in proficiency testing as described
in clause 7.15, where applicable.
7.2.3 GAC reviews the information supplied by the CAB for adequacy (See procedure AC 2.0).
7.3 Resource review
7.3.1 Following receipt of an application, GAC reviews its ability to carry out the assessment of the
applicant CAB, in terms of its own policy, its competence and the availability of suitable assessors and
experts (See procedure AC 4.0).
7.3.2 The review also includes the ability of GAC to carry out the initial assessment in a timely manner.
7.4 Subcontracting the assessment
7.4.1 GAC normally undertakes the assessment on which accreditation is based but in certain
circumstances may subcontract the assessment to another agency. However, GAC does not subcontract
the decision-making. When GAC subcontracts assessments, its policy describing the conditions under
which subcontracting may take place is described in the Accreditation Procedure (AC 16.0) and a
requirement for a properly documented agreement covering the arrangements, including confidentiality
and conflict of interest, is included.
It is noted that contracting of external individual assessors and experts is not to be considered as
subcontracting under the provisions of ISO/IEC 17011.
7.4.2 GAC (as the accreditation body):
a) takes full responsibility for all subcontracted assessments, which will only be conducted if GAC
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has itself the competence in the decision-making;

b) maintains its responsibility for granting, maintaining, extending, reducing, suspending or
withdrawing accreditation;
c) ensures that the body and its personnel involved in the assessment process, to which
assessment has been subcontracted, are competent and comply with the applicable
requirements of ISO/IEC and any provisions and guidelines given by the subcontracting
accreditation body;
d) obtains the written consent of the CAB to use a particular subcontractor.
7.4.3 GAC maintains a list the subcontractors it uses for assessments and has the ability to assess and
monitor their competence.
7.5 Preparation for assessment
7.5.1 Before the initial assessment a preliminary (advisory) visit is normally conducted with the
agreement of the CAB. This visit may result in identification of deficiencies in the applicant CAB’s
management system or its competencies (See procedure QM 3.0). GAC has clear guidelines and
exercises due care to avoid consultancy during such activities.
7.5.2 GAC formally appoints an assessment team consisting of a lead assessor and where required a
suitable number of assessors and/or experts for each specific scope. When selecting the assessment
team, GAC ensures that the expertise brought to each assignment is appropriate. In particular, the team
as a whole:
a) has the appropriate knowledge of the specific scope for which accreditation is sought;
b) has understanding sufficient to make a reliable assessment of the competence of the CAB to
operate within its scope of accreditation.
7.5.3 GAC ensures that team members act in an impartial and non-discriminatory manner. In
particular:
a) assessment team members shall not have provided consultancy to the CAB which might
compromise the accreditation process and decision;
b) in accordance with the provisions of clause 6.1.4 the assessment team members shall inform the
GAC, prior to the assessment, about any existing, former or envisaged link or competitive
position between themselves or their organization and the CAB to be assessed.
7.5.4 GAC informs the CAB of the names of the members of the assessment team and the
organisation they belong to, sufficiently in advance to allow the CAB to object to the appointment of any
particular assessor or expert. GAC’s policy for dealing with such objections is contained in the
Accreditation Procedure (AC 5.0).
7.5.5 GAC defines the assignment given to the assessment team. The task of the assessment team is
to review the documents collected from the CAB and to conduct the on-site assessment.
7.5.6 GAC has established procedures for sampling (if applicable) where the CAB's scope covers a
variety of specific conformity assessment services. The procedures ensure that the assessment team
witnesses a representative number of examples to ensure proper evaluation of the CAB’s competence.
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7.5.7 For initial assessments, in addition to visiting the main or head office, visits are made to all
other premises of the CAB from which one or more key activities are performed and which are covered
by the scope of accreditation.
NOTE: Key activities include: policy formulations, process/procedure development and, as appropriate,
contract review, planning conformity assessments, review/approval/decision making on the results of
conformity assessments.
7.5.8 For surveillance and reassessment, GAC has established procedures for sampling, where the CAB
works from various premises, to ensure proper assessment. All premises, from which one or more key
activities are performed, are reassessed within a timeframe defined in the Accreditation Procedures.
7.5.9 GAC negotiates agreement between the CAB and the assigned assessment team to the date and
schedule for the assessment taking into account its responsibility pursue a date that is in accordance
with the surveillance and reassessment plan. For postponement requests, GAC tolerates a margin of one
month for the renewal assessments and two months for the surveillance.
7.5.10 GAC ensures that the assessment team is provided with the appropriate criteria documents,
previous assessment records and the CAB’s relevant documents and records.
7.6 Document and record review
7.6.1 The assessment team reviews all relevant documents and records supplied by the CAB (as
described in AC 4.0) to evaluate its system, as documented, for conformity with the relevant standard(s)
and other requirements for accreditation. The results of the documentation review and the
recommendation to go ahead for an on-site visit are recorded in appropriate checklists, depending on
the requested accreditation field.
7.6.2 GAC may decide not to proceed with an on-site assessment based on the nonconformities found
during document and record review. In such case the nonconformities shall be reported in writing to the
CAB.
7.7 On-site assessment
7.7.1 The assessment team commences the on-site assessment with an opening meeting at which the
purpose of the assessment and the accreditation criteria are clearly defined (See procedure AC 6.0). The
scope and schedule for the assessment is also confirmed.
7.7.2 The assessment team conducts the assessment of the CAB’s conformity assessment services at
the premises of the CAB, from which one or more key activities are performed, and, where relevant,
shall perform witnessing at other selected locations where the CAB is operating, to gather objective
evidence that for the applicable scope the CAB is competent and conforms to the relevant standard(s)
and other requirements for accreditation.
7.7.3 The assessment team witnesses the performance of a representative number of staff of the CAB
to provide assurance of the competence of the CAB across the scope of accreditation.
7.8 Analysis of findings and assessment report
7.8.1 The assessment team analyses all relevant information and evidence gathered during document
and record review and the on-site assessment. This analysis is sufficient to allow the team to determine
the extent of competence and conformity of the CAB with requirements for accreditation. The team’s
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observations on areas for possible improvement may also be presented to the CAB; however,
consultancy is not provided.
7.8.2 Where the assessment team cannot reach a conclusion about a finding, the team refers back to
GAC for clarification.
7.8.3 GAC’s reporting procedures ensure that:
a) a meeting takes place, between the assessment team and the CAB prior to leaving the site. At this
meeting, the assessment team provides a written and/or oral report on its findings obtained from
the analysis of 7.8.1. An opportunity is provided for the CAB to ask questions about the findings,
including nonconformities, if any, and their basis;
b) a written report on the outcome of the assessment is promptly brought to the attention of the CAB.
This assessment report contains comments on competence and conformity and identify
nonconformities, if any, to be resolved in order to conform with all of the requirements for
accreditation;
c) the CAB is invited to respond to the assessment report and to describe the specific actions taken or
planned to be taken, within a defined time, to resolve any identified nonconformities.
7.8.4 The accreditation body shall remain responsible for the content of the assessment report
including nonconformities, even if the lead assessor is not a permanent staff member of the
accreditation body.
7.8.5 GAC ensures that the CAB’s responses to resolve nonconformities are reviewed to see if the
actions appear to be sufficient and effective. If the CAB responses are found not to be sufficient, further
information is requested. Additionally evidence of effective implementation of actions taken may be
requested or a follow-up assessment may be carried out to verify effective implementation of corrective
actions.
7.8.6 The information provided to the accreditation Decision Committee includes, as a minimum:
a) unique identification of the CAB;

b) date(s) of the on-site assessment;
c) name(s) of the assessor(s) and/or experts involved in the assessment;
d) unique identification of all premises assessed;
e) proposed scope of accreditation that was assessed;
f) the assessment report;
g) a statement on the adequacy of the internal organization and procedures adopted by the CAB to
give confidence in its competence as determined through its fulfilment of the requirements for
accreditation;
h) information on the resolution of all nonconformities;
i) any further information that may assist in determining fulfilment of requirements and the
competence of the CAB;
j) where applicable, a summary of the results of proficiency testing or other comparisons
conducted by the CAB and any actions taken as a consequence of the results;
k) where appropriate, a recommendation as to granting, reducing or extending accreditation for
the proposed scope.
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7.9 Decision-making and granting accreditation
7.9.1 GAC, prior to making a decision, must be satisfied that the information (see clause 7.8.6) is
adequate to decide that the requirements for accreditation have been fulfilled (See procedure AC 10.0).
7.9.2 GAC, without undue delay, makes the decision on whether to grant or extend accreditation on
the basis of an evaluation of all information received (see clause 7.8.6) and any other relevant
information.
7.9.3 Where GAC uses the results of an assessment already performed by another accreditation body
it must have assurance that the other accreditation body was operating in accordance with the
requirements of ISO/IEC 17011. The competence of these accreditation bodies is recognized, by GAC,
only if they are ILAC/APLAC MRA signatories.
7.9.4 GAC provides an accreditation certificate to the accredited CAB. This accreditation certificate
identifies:
a) Itself as the accreditation body and displays its accreditation logo;

b) the unique identity of the accredited CAB;
c) all premises from which one or more key activities are performed, that are covered by the
accreditation;
d) the accredited CAB’s unique accreditation number;
e) the effective date of granting of accreditation and, as applicable, the expiry date;
f) a brief indication of, or reference to, the scope of accreditation;
g) a statement of conformity and a reference to the standard(s) or other normative document(s)
including issue/revision used for assessment of the CAB.
7.9.5 The accreditation certificate also identifies:
a) for certification bodies:
1) the type of certification;

2) the standards or normative documents or regulatory requirements or types thereof which
products, personnel, services or management systems are certified, as applicable;
3) industry sectors, where relevant;
4) product categories, where relevant;
5) personnel categories, where relevant.
b) for inspection bodies:
1) the type of inspection body, e.g. as defined in ISO/IEC 17020;

2) the field and range of inspection for which accreditation has been granted;
3) the regulations, standards or specifications or types thereof containing the requirements against
which the inspection is to be performed, as applicable.
c) for calibration laboratories:
The calibrations, including the types of measurements performed (measurand), the measurement
ranges and the Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMC) or equivalent;
d) for testing laboratories:
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The tests or types of tests performed and materials or products tested, and, where appropriate the
methods used.
7.10 Appeals
7.10.1 GAC has established procedures to address appeals by CABs. These are described in
Accreditation Procedure (AC 14.0).
7.10.2 GAC:
a) appoints a person or group of persons to investigate the appeal who are competent and
independent of the subject of appeal;
b) decides on the validity of the appeal;
c) advises the CAB of its final decision(s);
d) takes follow-up action where required;
e) keeps records of all appeals, of final decisions and of follow-up actions taken.
7.11 Reassessment and surveillance
7.11.1 Reassessment is similar to an initial assessment as described in clauses 7.5 to 7.9, except that
experience gained during previous assessments shall be taken into account. Surveillance on-site
assessments are less comprehensive than reassessments.
7.11.2 GAC has established procedures and plans for carrying out periodic surveillance on-site
assessments, other surveillance activities and reassessments at sufficiently close intervals to monitor the
accredited CAB's continued fulfilment of requirements for accreditation (See procedure AC 11.0).
7.11.3 GAC designs its plans for reassessment and surveillance of each accredited CAB so that
representative samples of the scope of accreditation are assessed on a regular basis.
The interval between on-site assessments, whether reassessment or surveillance, depends on the
proven stability that the CAB's services have reached but the goal is that all CABs will be reassessed
within a two year period. A more detailed statement of policy on this matter is provided in the
Accreditation Procedures.
In the first accreditation cycle, a first surveillance on-site assessment visit will be carried out within 12
months from the date of initial accreditation.
7.11.4 Surveillance on-site assessments are planned taking into account other surveillance activities.
7.11.5 When, during surveillance or reassessments, nonconformities are identified, GAC defines strict
time limits for corrective actions to be implemented.
7.11.6 Following a surveillance or reassessment visit, GAC will confirm continuation of accreditation or
decide on the renewal of accreditation based on the results of those surveillance and reassessments
activities described above.
7.11.7 GAC may conduct extraordinary assessments as a result of complaints, changes relating to the
CAB (as defined in Clause 8.1.2), or from surveillance activities as described in Procedure AC 11.0 of the
Accreditation Procedures.
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7.12 Extending accreditation
The accreditation body shall, in response to an application for extension of scope of an accreditation
already granted, undertake the necessary activities to determine whether or not the extension may be
granted. Where appropriate, assessment and granting procedures shall be as in the procedure AC 15.0.
7.13 Suspending, withdrawing or reducing accreditation
7.13.1 GAC has established procedures for suspension, withdrawal and reduction of scope of
accreditation. These are specified in detail in the Accreditation Procedures (AC 12.0 and AC 13.0).
7.13.2 GAC will make decisions to suspend and/or withdraw accreditation when an accredited CAB has
persistently failed to meet the requirements of accreditation or to abide by the rules for accreditation
(e.g: continuous unsatisfactory results of PTP). The CAB itself may ask for suspension or withdrawal of
accreditation.
7.13.3 GAC will make decisions to reduce the CAB’s scope of accreditation to exclude those parts where
the CAB has persistently failed to meet the requirements for accreditation including competence. The
CAB itself may ask for reduction of its scope of accreditation.
7.14 Records on CABs
7.14.1 GAC maintains the records on CABs to demonstrate that requirements for accreditation
including competence have been effectively fulfilled.
7.14.2 GAC keeps the records on CABs secure to ensure confidentiality. The records on CABs are
managed appropriately in a manner as described in clause 5.4.
7.14.3 Records on CABs shall include:
a) relevant correspondence;
b) assessment records and reports;
c) records of committee deliberations if applicable and accreditation decisions;
d) copies of accreditation certificates.
7.15 Proficiency testing and other comparisons for laboratories
7.15.1 GAC has established procedures to take into account during the assessment and the decision-
making process the laboratory's participation and performance in proficiency testing (See procedure AC
7.0 and technical note 4).
7.15.2 GAC may organise proficiency testing or other comparisons itself or may involve another body,
judged to be competent. GAC maintains a list of appropriate proficiency testing and other comparison
programmes. Proficiency testing is conducted in compliance with ISO/IEC 17043 and external
proficiency testing providers are also required to comply with the requirements of that standard.
7.15.3 GAC requires that its accredited laboratories and, where appropriate its accredited inspection
bodies, participate in proficiency testing or other comparison programmes where available and
appropriate and that corrective actions are carried out when necessary. The minimum amount of
proficiency testing and the frequency of participation are specified in the GAC technical note 4.
It is recognised that there are particular areas where proficiency testing is impractical and this is taken
into account in the planning of reassessment programs.
Date: 28 April 2016

GAC Quality Manual
8 Responsibilities of GAC and the CAB
8.1 Obligations of the CAB
8.1.1 GAC requires the CAB:
a)to commit to continually fulfil the requirements for accreditation set by GAC for the areas where
accreditation is sought or granted. This includes agreement to adapt to changes in the
requirements for accreditation, as set out in clause 8.2.4;
b) to afford when requested such accommodation and cooperation as is necessary to enable GAC to
verify fulfilment of requirements for accreditation. This applies to all premises from where the
conformity assessment services are taking place;
c) to provide access to information, documents and records as necessary for the assessment and
maintenance of the accreditation;
d) to provide access to those documents that provide insight into the level of independence and
impartiality of the CAB from its related bodies, where applicable;
e) to arrange the witnessing of CAB services when requested by GAC;
f) to claim accreditation only with respect to the scope for which it has been granted accreditation;
g) to not use its accreditation in such a manner as to bring GAC into disrepute;
h) to pay fees as shall be determined by GAC.
8.1.2 GAC requires that it is informed without delay by the accredited CAB of significant changes,
relevant to its accreditation, in any aspect of its status or operation relating to its:
a) legal, commercial, ownership or organizational status;

b) organization, top management and key personnel;
c) main policies;
d) resources and premises;
e) scope of accreditation;
f) other such matters that may affect the CAB’s ability to fulfil requirements for accreditation.
8.2 Obligations of GAC
8.2.1 GAC will make publicly available information about the current status of the accreditations that
it has granted to CABs. This information is updated regularly. The information disclosed includes the
following:
a) name and address of each accredited CAB;

b) dates of granting accreditation and expiry dates, as applicable;
c) scopes of accreditation, either condensed and/or in full. If only condensed scopes are provided
information shall be given on how to obtain full scopes.
8.2.2 GAC will provide the CAB with information about suitable ways to obtain traceability of
measurement results in relation to the scope for which accreditation is provided.
8.2.3 GAC will, where applicable, provide information about international arrangements in which it is
involved.
8.2.4 GAC will give due notice of any changes to its requirements for accreditation. It will take account
of views expressed by interested parties before deciding on the precise form and effective date of the
changes. Following a decision on, and publication of, the changed requirements, it will verify that each
accredited body carries out any necessary adjustments.
Date: 28 April 2016

GAC Quality Manual
8.3 Reference to accreditation and use of symbols and marks
8.3.1 GAC, as proprietor of the accreditation symbol that is intended for use by its accredited CABs,
has a policy governing its protection and use. The accreditation symbol is designed to give a clear
indication as to which activity (as indicated in the GAC technical note 6) the accreditation is related. An
accredited CAB is allowed to use this symbol on its reports or certificates issued within the scope of its
accreditation.
8.3.2 GAC maintains surveillance procedures (AC 11.0) to ensure that the accredited CAB:
a) fully conforms with the requirements of the accreditation body for claiming accreditation status,
when making reference to its accreditation in communication media such as Internet,
documents, brochures, or advertising;
b) only uses the accreditation symbols for premises of the CAB that are specifically included in the
accreditation;
c) does not make any statement regarding its accreditation that the accreditation body may
consider misleading or unauthorized;
d) takes due care that no report or certificate nor any part thereof is used in a misleading manner;
e) forthwith discontinues its use of all advertising matter that contains any reference to an
accredited status, upon suspension or withdrawal of its accreditation (however determined);
f) does not allow the fact of its accreditation to be used to imply that a product, process, system or
person is approved by the accreditation body.
8.3.3 GAC will take suitable action to deal with incorrect references to accreditation status, or
misleading use of accreditation symbols found in advertisements, catalogues, etc. Suitable
actions include request for corrective action, withdrawal of accreditation, publication of the
transgression and, if necessary, other legal action.
Date: 28 April 2016

GAC Quality Manual
APPENDIX 1 – ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
Review
committees
Board of
Directors
Stakeholders
committees
Director
General
Technical Assessors
Technical Advisory Committee(s)
Administration Technical and Service Accreditation Development

and Finance Quality Delivery Decision and Marketing
Manager Manager Manager Manager Manager
Offices
Certification bodies Inspection bodies Medical lab Calibration lab Testing lab
department department department department department
Date: 28 April 2016

GAC Quality Manual
APPENDIX 2– DELEGATIONS REGISTER
A3.1 Purpose
The GAC Rules provide for the delegation of the powers of the Board. Delegation of the functions of the
Board is provided for in Section 10. This Delegation Register is prepared in accordance with the
requirement of Section 15 of the GAC Rules.
A3.2 Scope
This register describes only those parts of a Clause that can be delegated and therefore does not include
those functions that are not delegated. The ‘Activities’ described may therefore not represent an entire
Clause.
The delegations described below have been approved by the Board subject to appropriate policies and
procedures.
It is recognised that the activities listed will not be delegated on all occasions.
A3.2 Responsibilities
In accordance with Section 15 of the GAC Rules, the Director General is responsible for maintaining a
current list of Board members.
The abbreviations used are as follows:
Group 1 Management
DG - Director General
Group 2 Management
AFM - Administration and Finance Manager
SDM - Service Delivery Manager
ADM - Accreditation Decision Manager
TQM - Technical & Quality Manager
DMM - Development and Marketing Manager
Group 3 Management
LA Lead Assessor
OFM - Office Managers
It should be noted that delegation may be further delegated to senior staff within the organization in the
case of delegations marked *.
Date: 28 April 2016

GAC Quality Manual
A3.4 Governance delegations
Rule Activity Responsibility Delegation
8 Maintain list of Board of Directors approved delegations GD -

9.5 Minutes to be kept GD -
11.2 Cause proper accounts to be kept GD -
11.2 Cause financial reports to be prepared and presented at a GD -

general meeting
11.2 Resolution of dispute regarding use or misuse of GAC emblem GD -
11.2 Determination of publications deemed not to be privileged GD -
Date: 28 April 2016

GAC Quality Manual
Accreditation-related Delegations
12.1 Consideration of applications in two or more accreditation SDM OFM

programs or in two or more fields within an accreditation
program as a single application
12.2 Determination of conditions for accreditation and ADM
continuance of accreditation
12.5 Payment of penalty fees GD ADM

12.3 Accreditation of an applicant GD ADM
12.3 Deferral of accreditation of an applicant GD ADM
12.3 Refusal of accreditation of an applicant GD ADM

12.8 Conduct re-examinations and enquiries to ascertain GD ADM
compliance with conditions for continuance of accreditation
12.2 Consider applications for variations to signatories or scope of SDM
accreditation
12.2 Vary scope of accreditation GD ADM
12.7 Decision to cancel accreditation – for non-payment of fees ADM

12.5 Set response period to Correction Notice. Determine action SDM
required or other conditions
12.6 Issue Notice to Show Cause ADM

12.7 Notification of cancellation of accreditation GD ADM
12.3 To be satisfied that an applicant complies with the conditions ADM

for accreditation
12.3 For continuance of accreditation, to be satisfied that ADM

conditions for continuance of accreditation are met
12.3 Assessment of compliance of applicants with conditions for SDM

accreditation
12.3 Assessment of compliance of accredited facilities with ADM
conditions for continued accreditation
12.9 Selection of assessors for the examination of applicants and SDM OFM
re-examination of accredited facilities
12.3 Receipt of advice from the Technical Committee on ADM
compliance of applicants with conditions for accreditation
12.2 Publication of other procedures for processing applications TQM
and re-examining accredited facilities
12.3 On approval of accreditation:

- enter accredited person/facility’s name in Register ADM
- notify applicant of decision ADM
- issue accreditation certificate ADM
Date: 28 April 2016

GAC Quality Manual

12.3 Advice re deferral of accreditation ADM
12.3 Advice re refusal of accreditation ADM
12.5 Prescribe retention period for reports and records ADM

12.7 Advice re discontinuation of accreditation following advice ADM
from authorised representative re changes
12.5 Decisions re appropriate use of GAC emblem and statements GD ADM
re accreditation on letterhead, in advertising etc
12.5 Decisions re continuation of accreditations suspended for GD ADM
over 1 year
12.8 Referral of re-examination of accredited facility ADM
Receipt of referral SDM
12.2 Receipt of advice from Technical Committees on compliance ADM
of accredited facilities with conditions for continued
accreditation
12.3 Advise accredited facility of decision regarding the re- ADM

examination
12.3 Decision re continuance of accreditation ADM
12.3 Advise accredited facility regarding the re-examination ADM
12.2 Referral of application for variation to scope of accreditation SDM

or signatories
Receipt of referred application SDM
12.2 Conduct examination of facility SDM LA

12.3 Advise accredited facility of decision re variation(s) ADM
12.3 Constitute Review Committee TQM

12.3 Advice to claimant re nominations for Review Committee TQM
membership
Finalise Review Committee membership, select Chair TQM
12.3 Determine suitable dates to conduct review TQM

Advise claimant of Review Committee membership, dates TQM
review to be conducted
12.3 Advise claimant if Review Committee upholds decision TQM
12.3 Action if Review Committee overturns decision TQM
12.3 Advise complainant of decision TQM
12.2 Appointment of assessors SDM OFM
Date: 28 April 2016

GAC Quality Manual
Staffing Delegations
Subject to availability of funds within an approved budget.
# Activity Responsibility Delegation

1 Determine conditions of and approve positions GD All direct
reports
2 Approve all variations in employment conditions (including GD AFM
but not limited to increments, promotions, re-classifications,
award variations, salary loadings, salary and non-salary
related fringe benefits)
3 Consider recommendations of selection committees, where GD TQM
appropriate, approve appointments and issue letters of
appointment on behalf of the organisation
4 Approve discipline of staff GD All direct
reports
5 Dismiss staff GD
6 Approve granting of annual, sick, long service and leave GD All direct
without pay (not exceeding 12 months) within employment reports
conditions where accrued entitlement exists
7 Approve granting of all leave absences, including approval of GD All direct
leave “in advance of entitlement in special cases” reports
8 Confirmation of appointment at end of probationary period All direct reports to OFM
the GD
9 Accept or determine resignations or retirements GD All direct
reports
10 Approve staff members travelling overseas All direct reports to OFM

the GD
11 Approve staff members travelling within the Gulf region All direct reports to OFM
the GD
12 Approve carry-over of recreation leave for general staff in All direct reports to OFM
excess of 20 days and approve deferral of annual leave for the GD
staff where exceptional circumstances preventing leave
absence are demonstrated
13 Approve working of overtime All direct reports to OFM
the GD
14 Approve teleworking All direct reports to OFM

the GD
Date: 28 April 2016

GAC Quality Manual
Management Delegations

1 Sign legal documents, agreements for leases of equipment GD All direct
and property, capital expenditure and contracts on any reports
acquisitions authorised by the Board through the annual
budget or by separate resolution
Financial Delegations

1 Incur expenditure or approve payment GD and all direct OFM
(Managers cannot approve their own expenses) reports
2 Accept tenders and quotes and authorise contracts or orders GD and all direct OFM
for operating expenses and equipment procurement, within reports
their area of responsibility.
3 Approve write-offs in respect of: bad debts; cash losses, AFM
thefts or shortages; furniture, plant or equipment losses,
provided satisfied that all reasonable recovery action has
been taken
4 Authorise trade-in or sale of motor vehicles AFM

5 Approve transfer of employee payroll deductions to AFM
authorised entities
6 Establish and approve fees AFM
7 Approve refund of fees and charges AFM
8 Approve trade-in, sale or other disposal of obsolete or AFM

surplus assets or inventories (excluding motor vehicles)
9 Approve credit card expenses GD and all direct OFM
reports
10 Approval of removal expenses AFM
11 Approval of mobile telephones and monthly plan AFM
maintenance
12 Approve staff expense reimbursement GD and all direct OFM

reports
Date: 28 April 2016

GAC Quality Manual
Facilities Management Delegations

1 Accept tenders and quotes and authorise contracts or orders AFM OFM
in respect of capital works within an approved project budget
2 Approve progress payments on any approved and accepted AFM OFM
capital works project
3 Distribute keys to office personnel and ensure accurate and AFM OFM
up to date records are kept as to whom keys have been
distributed
4 Provide nominated car parking for company cars and GAC AFM OFM
staff as appropriate
5 Ensure optimum building, office and external security is AFM OFM

maintained through an outside security firm, where
appropriate
Date: 28 April 2016

GAC Quality Manual
APPENDIX 3 – GAC BUSINESS FUNCTIONS AND PROCESS FLOWCHART
GAC business functions and process flow (Approved 27/01/2009)

Human resources Governance
Budget
Governance
approval
Human resource
Key
recruitment and
appointments
management
Admin/Finance
Financial and
Facilities Budget and fee
information
management schedule
management
Advice
Quality & Technical
Technical Assessor
Quality system Complaints and
committees selection and
and internal audit appeals
training
Dev & Mktg
Needs analysis Product Communications

and cost/benefit management and marketing
Advice
Reassessment
Service delivery
Surveillance and
Application Assessment
On site extensions/
received and Advisory visit Document review team formation
assessment reductions of
processed and confirmation
scope
Decision making
Review and Suspension/

decision Withdrawal
Date: 28 April 2016

GAC Quality Manual
APPENDIX 4 – LIST OF ASSOCIATED PROCEDURES
RL 1.0 GAC Rules

QM 1.0 Document Control
QM 2.0 Management System Review
QM 3.0 Internal Audits
QM 4.0 Complaints
QM 5.0 Customer Feedback
QM 6.0 Corrective Action Or Preventative Action
QM 7.0 Records Management
QM 8.0 Technical Advisory Committees
QM 9.0 Assessors Selection, Qualification and Monitoring
QM 10.0 Due Diligence
QM 11.0 Privacy Policy
QM 12.0 Confidentiality
QM 13.0 Conflict Of Interest
QM 14.0 Duty Of Care
QM 15.0 Undue Influence
QM 16.0 Stakeholders Advisory Committee
QM 17.0 New Program Development
QM 18.0 Stakeholders High Committee
QM 19.0 Cross Frontier
QM 20.0 Related bodies Analysis
QM 21.0 IT Management
AC 1.0 Introduction And Flowchart
AC 2.0 Applications For Accreditation
AC 3.0 Advisory Visits
AC 4.0 Document Review
AC 5.0 Assessment Team Selection
AC 6.0 On-site Assessment
AC 7.0 Proficiency Testing Participation
AC 8.0 Corrective Actions
AC 9.0 Assessment Report
AC 10.0 Accreditation Decision
AC 11.0 Surveillance Activities
AC 12.0 Suspension Of Accreditation
AC 13.0 Withdrawal Of Accreditation
AC 14.0 Appeals
AC 15.0 Extensions, Variations And Special Assessments
TN 1.0 Uncertainty of measurement as requirement by ISO/IEC 17025
TN 2.0 Traceability Of Measurements
TN 3.0 Selection And Use Of Reference Materials
TN 4.0 Proficiency Testing Policy
TN 5.0 Requirements For In-house Calibrations
TN 6.0 Policy on the use of GAC Logo, Endorsement and References
FAD 1.0 ISO/IEC 17025 GAC Application Document
Date: 28 April 2016

GAC Quality Manual
FAD 4.0 ISO/IEC 17065 : GAC Application Document

FAD 12.0 Supplementary accreditation requirements for Halal certification Bodies
Date: 28 April 2016

GAC Quality Manual
BIBLIOGRAPHY
[1] ISO 14065:2013, Greenhouse gases -- Requirements for greenhouse gas validation and
verification bodies for use in accreditation or other forms of recognition
[2] ISO 19011:2011 , Guidelines for auditing management systems.
[3] ISO 9000:2005, Quality management systems -- Fundamentals and vocabulary
[4] ISO 9001:2008, Quality management systems – Requirements
[5] ISO/TS22003:2013, Food safety management systems -- Requirements for bodies providing audit
and certification of food safety management systems
[6] ISO/IEC 17000:2004, Conformity assessment -- Vocabulary and general principles
[7] ISO/IEC 17011:2004, Conformity assessment -- General requirements for accreditation bodies
accrediting conformity assessment bodies
[8] ISO/IEC 17020:2012, General criteria for the operation of various types of bodies performing
inspection
[9] ISO/IEC 17021:20111, Conformity assessment -- Requirements for bodies providing audit and
certification of management systems
[10] ISO/IEC 17024:2012, Conformity assessment -- General requirements for bodies operating
certification of persons
[11] ISO/IEC 17025:2005, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration
laboratories.
[12] ISO/IEC 17030:2003, Conformity assessment -- General requirements for third-party marks of
conformity
[13] ISO/IEC 17007:2009, Conformity assessment -- Guidelines for drafting normative documents
suitable for use for conformity assessment
[14] ISO/IEC Guide 2:2004, Standardization and related activities -- General vocabulary
[15] ISO/IEC Guide 23: 1982, Methods of indicating conformity with standards for third-party
certification systems
[16] ISO/IEC Guide 27:1983, Guidelines for corrective action to be taken by a certification body in the
event of misuse of its mark of conformity
[17] ISO/IEC Guide 28:2004,Conformity assessment -- Guidance on a third-party certification system
for products
[18] ISO/IEC 17043:2010: Conformity assessment -- General requirements for proficiency testing.
[19] ISO/IEC Guide 53:2005, Conformity assessment -- Guidance on the use of an organization's
quality management system in product certification
[20] ISO/IEC 17065:2012,Conformity assessment – Requirements for bodies certifying products,
processes and services
[21] ISO/IEC 17067:2013: Conformity assessment -- Fundamentals of product certification and
guidelines for product certification schemes.
[22] ISO/IEC Guide 99:2007, International vocabulary of metrology -- Basic and general concepts and
associated terms (VIM)
Date: 28 April 2016

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BD-091007-04 GAC

MQ 1.0: Quality Manual of the Accreditation

Version 5: 28th April 2016

Date: 28 April 2016

Approved by: Nabil A. Molla

2. GAC QUALITY POLICY .................................................................................................................................... 6

3. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................. 7

4.1 Legal responsibility .....................................................................................................................................11

4.2 Structure .....................................................................................................................................................11

4.3 Impartiality .................................................................................................................................................12

4.4 Confidentiality ............................................................................................................................................13

4.5 Liability and financing .................................................................................................................................13

4.6 Accreditation activity ..................................................................................................................................13

5.1 General .......................................................................................................................................................13

5.2 Management system ..................................................................................................................................14

5.3 Document control.......................................................................................................................................14

5.4 Records .......................................................................................................................................................14

5.5 Nonconformities and corrective actions ....................................................................................................15

5.6 Preventive actions ......................................................................................................................................15

5.7 Internal audits ............................................................................................................................................15

5.8 Management reviews .................................................................................................................................16

5.9 Complaints ..................................................................................................................................................16

6 HUMAN RESOURCES ................................................................................................................................... 16

6.1 Personnel associated with GAC ..................................................................................................................16

6.2 Personnel involved in the accreditation process ........................................................................................21

6.3 Monitoring ..................................................................................................................................................22

6.4 Personnel records .......................................................................................................................................22

7 ACCREDITATION PROCESS ........................................................................................................................... 22

7.1 Accreditation criteria and information .......................................................................................................22

Date: 28 April 2016

Approved by: Nabil A. Molla

7.2 Application for accreditation ......................................................................................................................23

7.3 Resource review .........................................................................................................................................23

7.4 Subcontracting the assessment ..................................................................................................................23

7.5 Preparation for assessment ........................................................................................................................24

7.6 Document and record review .....................................................................................................................25

7.7 On-site assessment .....................................................................................................................................25

7.8 Analysis of findings and assessment report ...............................................................................................25

7.9 Decision-making and granting accreditation ..............................................................................................27

7.10 Appeals .......................................................................................................................................................28

7.11 Reassessment and surveillance ..................................................................................................................28

7.12 Extending accreditation ..............................................................................................................................29

7.13 Suspending, withdrawing or reducing accreditation ..................................................................................29

7.14 Records on CABs .........................................................................................................................................29

7.15 Proficiency testing and other comparisons for laboratories ......................................................................29

8 RESPONSIBILITIES OF GAC AND THE CAB ..................................................................................................... 30

8.1 Obligations of the CAB ................................................................................................................................30

8.2 Obligations of GAC ......................................................................................................................................30

8.3 Reference to accreditation and use of symbols and marks ........................................................................31

APPENDIX 1 – ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE ...................................................................................................... 32

APPENDIX 2 – DELEGATIONS REGISTER ................................................................................................................ 33

APPENDIX 4 – LIST OF ASSOCIATED PROCEDURES ................................................................................................ 41

BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................................................... 413

Date: 28 April 2016

Approved by: Nabil A. Molla

Diagram 1: Quality system/documentation hierarchy

Quality Manual (MQ)

Administration Accreditation Human Resources Quality

Field of Application Documents

Date: 28 April 2016

Approved by: Nabil A. Molla